Commission approves concept plan for 7,000‑square‑foot Aspen Creek Grill in Anson

The Planning Commission voted 6‑0 to approve the concept plan for an Aspen Creek Grill, a one‑story, sit‑down restaurant proposed on about 2.02 acres in the Anson area of Whitestown.

Ben Houle of Landworks Engineering presented the concept and described a roughly 7,000‑square‑foot, one‑story restaurant that would seat about 250 guests. “We’re here seeking concept plan approval for a 7,000 square foot restaurant,” Houle said, orienting the commission to the site north of the hotel and near Dick’s Sporting Goods. Heather Belton, a representative for Aspen Creek, told the commission the operator will seek its own liquor license through counsel.

Staff recommended approval of the concept plan. Commissioners asked questions about service and workforce: Aspen Creek representatives said the location could employ up to about 45 people on a busy shift and up to roughly 100 employees total across recruiting and operations. The petitioner told commissioners the company will seek its own liquor license and use outside counsel to manage that process.

Why it matters: the project brings a full‑service restaurant to an expanding Anson commercial area and will later require parking and civil approvals. The petitioner indicated they will simultaneously request a parking variance as part of follow‑up filings.

Vote and next steps: the motion to approve the concept plan passed 6‑0. The applicant intends to return for development plan review and to pursue any necessary parking variances and civil engineering approvals before construction.

Ending: Commissioners welcomed the sit‑down restaurant concept as a local amenity and asked staff to track subsequent applications for development plan approval and required permits.